New FIFA Transfer Reforms Signal Shift in Global Football Governance

Greens List member Anthony Lo Surdo SC examines FIFA's recently announced "Transfer System 2027" reforms and their far-reaching implications for the governance of professional football.

The reforms, developed in response to the landmark FIFA v BZ (Diarra) decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union, will reshape the international player transfer system and formalise a new governance partnership between FIFA and FIFPRO through to 2031.

While much attention has focused on changes to transfer regulations and player compensation, Anthony highlights what may be the most significant development: the creation of a Global Social Dialogue Platform. This new mechanism would see future changes to football's transfer rules negotiated collectively between FIFA and recognised player representatives, rather than determined unilaterally by FIFA.

Drawing comparisons with collective bargaining models already operating in major football jurisdictions, the article explores how these reforms could fundamentally alter the balance of power in global football governance.

Read Anthony's full analysis via LawInSport.